This one has bothered me for a while. When I was in HS, the PE (god forbid you say Gym, the teachers would go crazy) classes were so overpopulated that there was little efficient activity. We would basically get changed, grab a ball, dribble and talk to friends during the whole period.

I know that there is a problem with cultivating the healthy lifestyles of children, but when PE isn't being used effectively, why is it required? I do not think that it should be-- I could've used that spot in my schedule to fill it with an elective that would've benefitted me academically.

This one has bothered me for a while. When I was in HS, the PE (god forbid you say Gym, the teachers would go crazy) classes were so overpopulated that there was little efficient activity. We would basically get changed, grab a ball, dribble and talk to friends during the whole period.

I know that there is a problem with cultivating the healthy lifestyles of children, but when PE isn't being used effectively, why is it required? I do not think that it should be-- I could've used that spot in my schedule to fill it with an elective that would've benefitted me academically.

Any thoughts on whether or not it should be required?

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While I think kids, like adults should excercise and be active daily, the whole argument that fewer PE classes have any connection to obesity in children is a joke. Seldom are the 'classes' schedualed for longer than 50 minutes, including attendence, changing clothes, shoes-2X, getting water, explaining the 'routine', etc. If they get in 15-20 minutes of sustained pulse rate, they are one of the 'talented kids' that play the whole time. Once again, we are at a parent problem.

Let the kids come home, play until dinner, eat, homework, bathe, read and to bed. Whoops, no tv, computer, videogame time until the weekend!

This one has bothered me for a while. When I was in HS, the PE (god forbid you say Gym, the teachers would go crazy) classes were so overpopulated that there was little efficient activity. We would basically get changed, grab a ball, dribble and talk to friends during the whole period.

I know that there is a problem with cultivating the healthy lifestyles of children, but when PE isn't being used effectively, why is it required? I do not think that it should be-- I could've used that spot in my schedule to fill it with an elective that would've benefitted me academically.

Any thoughts on whether or not it should be required?

Click to expand...

The school system of today is not what it was when I attended school...When I played football and ran track it was considered PE for credit..
It seems not to be the case for today...My Grandaughter received a F for the quarter grade in PE even though she was on the Cross country Team who placed second in the State finals...Her PE coach was mad at her because she passed over on playing VolleyBall this season and ran Cross country instead with another coach...She was tired after practice and did not dress down for the PE class 'one time' and the PE teacher gave her a F for the quarter grade...needlees to say this was corrected by the Principle for the Semester grading( thank God)...Nowdays,at least in our school district, being on a sport team is separate from regular PE( they get to list as extracurricular activity for college resume but not credit for PE)...this was not the case when I attended school... so I can relate to your disassociation with the current system!

The school system of today is not what it was when I attended school...When I played football and ran track it was considered PE for credit..
It seems not to be the case for today...My Grandaughter received a F for the quarter grade in PE even though she was on the Cross country Team who placed second in the State finals...Her PE coach was mad at her because she passed over on playing VolleyBall this season and ran Cross country instead with another coach...She was tired after practice and did not dress down for the PE class 'one time' and the PE teacher gave her a F for the quarter grade...needlees to say this was corrected by the Principle for the Semester grading( thank God)...Nowdays,at least in our school district, being on a sport team is separate from regular PE( they get to list as extracurricular activity for college resume but not credit for PE)...this was not the case when I attended school... so I can relate to your disassociation with the current system!

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In our school district, high school district , those playing a sport are excused from traditional PE classes, other than health and driver's ed. During their PE time, they do 'conditioning' for their sport, with their team sports therapist. Marching band is the only 'team' this does not pertain to and I don't understand why!

This one has bothered me for a while. When I was in HS, the PE (god forbid you say Gym, the teachers would go crazy) classes were so overpopulated that there was little efficient activity. We would basically get changed, grab a ball, dribble and talk to friends during the whole period.

I know that there is a problem with cultivating the healthy lifestyles of children, but when PE isn't being used effectively, why is it required? I do not think that it should be-- I could've used that spot in my schedule to fill it with an elective that would've benefitted me academically.

Any thoughts on whether or not it should be required?

Click to expand...

Gym was a waste of time when I was in school. All I got out of it was 3 stitches in the elbow and a scare.

When I was in school (pre middle school era) HS was 8-12.
In 8th you had to take Gym, after that you could sub JROTC for Gym.
Thats what I did 9-12. When I enlisted in the Army, I enlisted as a PFC not just a recruit, because of it.

Those 4 years in ROTC were much more productive than bouncing a ball, for me.

In our school district, high school district , those playing a sport are excused from traditional PE classes, other than health and driver's ed. During their PE time, they do 'conditioning' for their sport, with their team sports therapist. Marching band is the only 'team' this does not pertain to and I don't understand why!

Click to expand...

When I was in HS the sports teams as well as Cheerleaders,Drill Team and Marching band received credit and grades for PE...did not have to attended regular PE classes as these activities were accepted in lieu of...I really do not understand todays concept....

When I was in HS the sports teams as well as Cheerleaders,Drill Team and Marching band received credit and grades for PE...did not have to attended regular PE classes as these activities were accepted in lieu of...I really do not understand todays concept....

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Conditioning has been a big part of sports for I don't know how long. Even in gymnastics when I competed a long time ago. Keeps injuries down, supposedly says moi, with arthritis in every long-ago injured part of my person...

At my high school, you only had to take PE for one trimester during high school and them you were through. However, unlike traditional PE classes, we did something more productive. Instead of basketball, the teacher taught us the importance of a balanced diet, the importance and ways to exercise, why sleep is nessicary, stress relief and other topics actually related to physical wellness. The rest of the year everyone was required to take an afterschool sport or fitness class for at least one hour, however; efforts were made to prevent bullying. The varsity football players could do their thing will other, lighter courses like yoga, a fitness program, and other sports were also avaibable to the less physically active. If there was a scheduling conflict, some sports were avaibable in the morning and of course if you had a medical excuse you did not have to attend. This way everyone was actually physically active everyday and knew how to take care of themselves. Cost was migitated by offering the programs in conjunction with the local community center.

Marching band is the only 'team' this does not pertain to and I don't understand why!

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No doubt! Marching around a field carrying a tuba or puffing a horn is pretty decent exercise.

I think they should require some sort of PE. I see no problem with giving PE credit for extra curricular sports. But I think, especially in today's culture, kids should be made to understand that exercise is important. If you don't require the class, it sends the message that exercise is not important.

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